A family-run Middle Eastern restaurant in Paddington, Hayat is a locally-loved cosy eatery perfect for casual dining, family gatherings, and romantic dinners. The atmosphere is comfortable, like a home away from home where guests can indulge in comforting home-cooked meals crafted from traditional recipes.
The dining room is warm and familiar, with tasteful decor that combines bright and welcoming colours with Turkish decor and modern design elements. Picture velvet banquettes and scalloped chairs, Arabic art, planting, and soft modern lighting. For fairer weather, there are also several outdoor tables.
Hayat's menu is a celebration of Lebanese, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavours, showcasing a variety of dishes that highlight the richness of the cuisine. Things kick off with starters like chicken pastilla, moussaka with pita bread, grilled halloumi, falafel, baba ganoush, and hummus. Main courses on the Hayat menu include marinated grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken with penne pasta white sauce, chicken shish, lamb kofta, and butterflied sea bass. From hearty starters like meze platters to succulent mains such as lamb kebabs.
Alongside burgers and tajins, there’s also a selection of brilliant pizzas some topped with pepperoni and jalapeno, or truffle and mushroom, others with spinach and artichoke. Hayat also offers lunchtime specials, including beef lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, a house pizza wrap, and a creamy chicken and mushroom stew served with rice. Deserts include all the favourites like chocolate fudge cake and red velvet, but we’d always recommend ordering the baklava, sweet sticky layers of crunchy pastry and nuts.
Whatever you order, Hayat is a restaurant that stands out not just for its passionate cooking, but for its commitment to creating a homely dining experience. With friendly service and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, this is a restaurant dedicated to the essence of hospitality.